Level of concern about housing is highest in 40 years though immigration still dominates

The October Economist/Ipsos MORI Issues Index shows that, as has been the case since August, over half (52%) of the public mention immigration as among the most important issues facing Britain. For a third (34%) it is the single most important issue. This is a drop of four percentage points since last month, though concern remains at a historic high.

Concern is higher amongst Conservative voters – two thirds (65%) mention this issue, compared with just under half (47%) of Labour supporters. It is, however, the most important issue across supporters of both parties. Concern is most keenly felt by C2DES aged 55+, 59% of whom mention it compared with 41% of ABC1s aged 18-34.

This month, we have asked an additional question of all those who mentioned immigration. Amongst those who say it is important to them, half (49%) feel that ‘there are too many immigrants coming to Britain – we need to reduce immigrant numbers” and 19% because they are “worried about the refugee crisis and want Britain to do more to help”. A further quarter (27%) give both reasons as to why it is important to them.

Separately, 37% are concerned about the NHS, with concern about this issue having been at or above the 30% mark for a year now. A quarter (26%) mention the economy, an issue that has, broadly speaking, been declining in importance since 2011.

However concern about housing is on the increase – a fifth (20%) mention this issue, the highest percentage to do so in 41 years. Though there are differences between age groups – (24% of 18-34 year olds mention housing compared with 17% of those aged 55+) the difference is most stark when the results are looked at geographically – with concern ranging from 8% in the north of England to 43% in London, where it remains the most important issue.

Ipsos MORI's Issues Index is conducted monthly and provides an overview of the key issues concerning the country. Ipsos MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,002 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. The questions are spontaneous - i.e. respondents are not prompted with any answers. Ipsos MORI's Capibus vehicle was used for this survey. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in-home between 9th- 19th October in 179 sampling points across Great Britain. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.